Genius Ideas (mostly) Tom Gates by L Pichon

"Seeing Delia without her sunglasses on is a BIG shock, but that's nothing compared with the surprise Dad has in store for me with his new found fitness regime. He says he's going to compete at Sport's Day. Shame! Meanwhile Derek, Norman and I keep practicing in DOGZOMBIES so we're really ready for the school Talent Show."

This is the first Tom Gates book that I have read, although it appears that it is actually the fourth in the series with another being released very soon. It is aimed at children aged about 9+ and the series has received many awards including the Blue Peter best story award, Roald Dahl funny prize, the Red House book award and Waterstones children's book award.

It is a great book to attract children's attention; written in diary style with text frequently interrupted by Tom Gate's doodles, the book is easy and quick to read. It is a funny story and one which I am sure will encourage the most unenthusiastic of readers to pick up a book. It is suitable for both boys and girls and I think that boys will want to read about Tom Gates' antics although the story will appeal to all.

My only criticism for the book is the lack of story content. My daughter is currently preparing for SATS in year 6 and the thing she is struggling on is guided reading where she must answer questions on a piece of text and therefore I am trying to find her books which will test her and enable us to have conversation about the book after she has read it. This book is below that level of challenging story and interpretation, however it is a good book for a long car journey or bed time reading.

I read this book through the Amazon Vine programme.